By Our Reporter
SHILLONG: The Civil Society Women’s Organisation (CSWO) has asked the State Government to allot space for the womenfolk who are selling kwai (betel nuts), vegetable and fruits on the roadside adjacent to the OB shopping mall in Khyndai Lad.
In a letter addressed to Chief Minister Dr Mukul Sangma here on Tuesday, CSWO president Agnes Kharshiing urged the Government to help and accommodate the vendors, many of whom are single mothers, and have no other source of income other than selling vegetables and fruits on the roadside.
According to the CSWO, the park near the OB Shopping mall is lying vacant and it would be sensible to let these women vendors use the space to sell their goods.
“Allotment of the abandoned park to these struggling women would reduce congestion in the area,” the letter added.
The CSWO further alleged that laws are being flouted by the Urban Affairs department and the Meghalaya Urban Development Authority to accommodate rich businessmen at the MUDA Parking Lot in Khyndai Lad.
Kharshiing stated that the space which has been let out to SUBWAY was illegal. She also claimed that a considerable space at the parking lot was illegally given away for the construction of a hotel and commercial complex.
“As per rule the authorities are required to leave 40 per cent of open space in commercial areas,” she stated.
“This is also against the order notified by the Government on allotment of Government space to individuals,” the letter to the Chief Minister said.
